Month: November 2021

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Understanding the Feed Program: GP3

Feed programs are like recipes. They combine the best base nutrient formulas with supplements that enhance the natural growth patterns of plants. Whether you’re new to gardening or have been growing for decades, experts agree that committing to a program that promises to produce a heavy, quality-driven harvest, is a good place to start.  In hopes of guiding gardeners to possibly the most quality-focused feeding program on the market, the following passages will dive deeper into GreenPlanet’s 3-Part (GP3) feed program.

What is a Feed Program?

A feed program is a schedule of plant nutrition that can be mapped in terms of fertilizer dosage, ratio, supplementation, and use over time. Usually containing several bottles, a complete feeding program should contain supplements including a base nutrient fertilizer, a vitamin supplement, a bloom booster, a source of carbohydrates, and a trichome enhancer. By combining these inputs into a feeding program, prompted with other factors which produce a confident yield, growers can expect to produce the most quality-driven harvest possible. To browse a complete list of feed programs available at GreenPlanet Nutrients, click here. 

GreenPlanet’s 3-Part Feed Program

GreenPlanet’s 3-Part (GP3) feed program consists of a three-part base nutrient system and several additives that enhance both vegetative and blooming growth. Made for the expert grower, GP3 offers plants everything they need in 3 bottles. From essential micronutrients like copper, boron, and zinc, to balanced levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, GP3 is fed to plants in varying ratios throughout stages of propagation, growth, and bloom, making them the perfect stack of fertilizer for growers who want nothing but the best. Specialty additives like plant tonics, bloom boosters, resin enhancers, and carbohydrate supplements are also included in all of GreenPlanet’s feed programs. Before committing to the GP3 feed program, consult the passages below for a description of each product included in the bundle.

Click Here to read GreenPlanet’s GP3 Feed Chart

Base Nutrients

Additive Nutrients

Click to see the products that make up the GP3 3 Part Feed Program

GP3 Micro – Base Nutrient

GP3 Micro is the component of the GP3 nutrient system that provides your plants with the essential and supplemental micronutrients they need in the grow and bloom stages of growth. Formulated with micronutrients like calcium, boron, cobalt, copper, manganese, iron, molybdenum, and zinc, GP3 ensures a complete and well-rounded array of elements that dispel all notions of future nutrient deficiencies. 

GP3 Grow – Base Nutrient

GP3 Grow provides your plants with the optimal nutrients they require throughout the vegetative stage of growth. This stage is when your plants develop leafy green foliage and a strong root system that will be able to support flowering sites during the bloom stage. Added heavily during the aggressive vegetative stage, GP3 Grow is loaded with nutrients like potassium that help facilitate and encourage vertical growth and root mass expansion. 

GP3 Bloom – Base Nutrient

GP3 Bloom is a component of the GP3 nutrient system that provides your plants with the essential nutrients they need throughout the flowering stage of growth. This stage is when your plants start to fruit and produce flowers until it is time for harvest. GP3 Bloom is loaded with phosphorous and potassium, two elements that are essential during the flowering stage. Used more heavily than any portion of GreenPlanet’s 3-Part program, GP3 Bloom is the primary nutrient responsible for the establishment and expression of tight, fully-developed flowers. 

Vitathrive – Additive Nutrient

Vitathrive is GreenPlanet’s vitamin supplement. Use Vitathrive aggressively throughout the vegetative stage, on transplant day, and during any periods of stress to increase root growth, reduce internal stress, and strengthen any plant’s immune response. The main supplementary component of Vitathrive, Thiamine or vitamin B1, has been shown in old and recent research to be a factor in a plant’s diet that reduces fungal disease and plant stress (Subki et al, 2018, p. 37).

Massive Bloom Formulation – Additive Nutrient

Massive Bloom Formulation is GreenPlanet’s premier flowering additive, formulated with all of the necessary macro and microelements required to achieve an increase in flower size. As well as providing several additional beneficial properties, such as L-amino acids and a source of carbohydrates, Massive is the perfect blooming supplement to pair with the select and aggressive GP3 base nutrient system.

Rezin – Additive Nutrient

Entourage Effect: The theory that the synergistic effect of THC, flavonoids, cannabinoids, and terpenes all contribute to the overall “experience” of cannabis consumption. 

Rezin is GreenPlanet’s flowering additive formulated to enhance the natural processes within flowering plants that produce flavor and aroma. With no PPM, Rezin can be used with any base nutrient program until harvest to produce large, sugar-coated flowers. Now known for enhancing the “entourage effect” (Russo, 2019, para. 17), Rezin is one proprietary supplement that is a must-have for any quality-driven garden. 

Liquid Weight – Additive Nutrient

Liquid Weight is a supplement blend of simple carbohydrates that increase the amount of beneficial microbial life in the root zone. This leads to the exaggerated absorption of essential nutrients that help develop impressive aromatic flowers and fruits. Plants spend an amazing amount of energy-releasing sugars like cellulose into the root zone; so, by supplementing your plant’s expenditures with additional carbs, you can be sure the beneficial microbes in your soil will be plentifully fed, which in turn will support the cultivation and growth of your root zone. For more information on the benefits of sugars in the garden, read our blog: The Power of Carbohydrates in the Garden. 

Using the Feed Program 

Like a recipe, the GP3 feeding program has the best results when the formula is followed. As explained above, a feeding program is a schedule of plant nutrition that can be mapped in terms of fertilizer dosage, ratio, supplementation, and use over time. Throughout the weeks of vegetative and flowering growth, the GP3 feeding program will guide the grower through different stages of a plant’s life, and offer general feeding ratios, doses, and helpfully supplementation tips. All the measurements of plant food on GreenPlanet’s feeding programs are described in milliliters of fertilizers per liter of water.

Features and Considerations  

At a glance, you’ll notice a few distinguishing features about the GP3 feeding program: first, only certain products and supplements are recommended for use in specific stages of plant growth. For example, the feeding program is split into two stages: vegetative and flowering growth. In these different stages, only certain supplements are recommended for use; for instance, you’ll notice that products that increase flower size, like Massive Bloom Formulation, are only introduced in the second week of flower, once plants have established pistils and bud sites. 

Products that increase flower size, like Massive Bloom Formulation, are only introduced in the second week of flower

Also, GP3 is fed in varying rations throughout vegetative and flowering stages and growth. This means that some nutrients, like GP3 Bloom, are fed far more than GP3 Micro or Grow during the flowering stage. And, since the flowering stage is much longer than the average vegetative period, growers can expect to use almost twice as much GP3 Bloom during the entirety of a crop. So, be aware that if you’re growing a crop at scale, you may need to invest in twice as much GP3 Bloom as compared to the rest of the GP3 base nutrient system (GP3 Micro/Grow). 

Feeding Considerations 

Another aspect of the GP3 feed program to examine is the rise and gradual plateau of the recommended Parts Per Million (PPM) of your nutrient solution. PPM is a unit of measurement which describes the concentration of a solution. In this case, since we are examining fertilizer, PPM can be seen as a measurement that determines the strength and concentration of dissolved elements within a nutrient solution. 

PPM is a unit of measurement which describes the concentration of a solution.

While following the GP3 feeding program, you’ll notice that the PPM of you’re nutrient solution will gradually increase as you move into the flowering stage, finally plateauing in weeks 2 – 6, followed by a gradual decrease in strength as you move towards the final weeks of flush. These general measurements are based on the assumption that as time progresses, your plants will become larger, and therefore be able to digest a more concentrated nutrient solution. However, these nutrient levels generally plateau and decrease as plants ripen and move towards the flushing stage. For a more in-depth understanding of PPM and plant nutrition, refer to the blog titled: What are Base Nutrients?

Works Cited

  • Russo, E. (2019). The case for the entourage effect and conventional breeding of clinical cannabis: No “strain,” no gain. Frontiers in Plant Science. Retrieved, December 10th, 2020 from US National Library of Medicine.
  • Subki, A. (2018). The role of thiamine in plants and current perspectives in crop improvement. B Group Vitamins – Current Uses and Perspective. Retrieved, January 14th, 2020 from ResearchGate.net 

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Why You Should Use Humic and Fulvic Acids When Growing Cannabis

Before the time of the dinosaurs, our planet was covered in a vast ecosystem of forests and swamps. As time moved on, shelves of sediment moved back and forth across the land, trapping and compressing organic matter and later transforming them into coal, oil and peat deposits. However, certain ancient pockets have been found that still contain rich and valuable organic compounds. These million-year-old compost heaps called humates contain a massive supply of microbes, minerals and trace elements. Probably one of the most overlooked nutrient supplements, humate substances have the potential to enrich plants with a variety of benefits. Thinking about adding a source of humates to your feeding program? Read the following passages to learn more about the importance of humic and fulvic acid.

What are Humates? 

Humates are a mix of humic and fulvic acids and contain microbes, trace elements, minerals and metals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Humic acids, the larger of the two molecules in humates can be extracted from peat or lignite deposits. Fulvic acids, while made up of smaller, highly charged molecules, contain a much higher quantity of trace minerals and can become soluble in water at any pH level. Both humic and fulvic acids are the product of the slow breakdown of organic matter. Due to the microbial process required to form humates, humic and fulvic acids have developed the capacity to increase crop productivity in amazing ways.

Humic acids, the larger of the two molecules. Fulvic acids, while made up of smaller, highly charged molecules, contain a much higher
quantity of trace minerals

The Importance of Using Humic and Fulvic Acids

If combined with your regular feeding schedule, humic and fulvic acid can increase nutrient uptake, water retention and general root health. Especially in hydroponic mediums like hydrostone, perlite and rockwool, humate substances are necessary for creating a root zone that can easily absorb nutrients, chelate metals and carry elements to nutrient-deprived sections of the plant.

Humic and Fulvic Acids as a Catalyst 

Humic and fulvic acids have the ability to create this healthy reaction by acting both as a nutrient catalyst and chelator. It’s often that when adding humates to their regular feeding routine, growers notice increased water retention and stalk, branch and node thickening. This reaction is common after a week or so when using humic or fulvic supplements, as these acids contain a distinct catalyst function when combined with other absorbable elements. Silica, for example, is one such element that when fed along with fulvic acid becomes more readily available to the cell walls of plants. 

Silica is one such element that when fed along with fulvic acid becomes more readily available to the cell walls of plants

Humates Also Chelate

Depending on the pH of your nutrient solution, water may have some difficulty transporting metallic salts required for plant health. Humic and fulvic acids remedy this issue by acting as a natural chelator. Silica, for example, is one such element that when fed along with fulvic acid becomes more readily available to the cell walls of plants The degree to which this process is successful, however, does depend on the pH of the nutrient solution. Calcium, for example, would have trouble being readily absorbed by plants at a pH below 5.5, even with humic or fulvic acid acting as a chelator. If buffered to a correct pH range, gardeners will see an array of results following the use of humate supplements, including thicker branches, more efficient nutrient uptake, broader leaves, tighter node spacing and larger root-balls. 

Silica, for example, is one such element that when fed along with fulvic acid becomes more readily available to the cell walls of plants

GreenPlanet Nutrients Humate Supplements 

GPH Uptake 

GPH Uptake is a soluble formula of humic acid that aids the plant with nutrient uptake throughout its entire lifecycle. Due to the chelating results of GPH, essential immobile micronutrients such as calcium become easier to absorb by the plant. Humic acid also promotes mycorrhizal fungi colonization in the plant’s rhizosphere. Mycorrhiza allows the plant to take full advantage of the nutrients found in the root zone that would otherwise be inaccessible. This boosts the plant’s ability to produce vigorous green growth in the vegetative stage and impressive yields during the flowering stage. Use GPH Uptake in soil/soilless mediums such as peat moss, potting soil or coco for the best solubility. 

GPF Uptake 

GPF Uptake is a water-soluble fulvic acid supplement designed for use in hydroponic systems. Fulvic acid’s natural ability to chelate nutrients means larger molecules become mobile and available to the plant. Once absorbed, fulvic acid continues to help transport the nutrients to the parts of the plant where they are needed the most. The added fulvic acid ensures plants retain and fully utilize the nutrients they are fed. GPF Uptake can also benefit as a foliar spray application. Fulvic acid applied as a foliar spray increases the number of budding sites on a flowering plant, promotes a sturdier stalk, and overall plant structure. The fulvic humates in GPF Uptake become soluble in water easily, meaning that this product can be used in a variety of water-based systems with recirculating reservoirs.  

Want to get the most out of your garden? Try adding humic or fulvic acids to your feeding schedule. For more information on the products or information mentioned in this article, contact your GreenPlanet representative directly, or your local garden supply store.

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Tips to Prevent Powdery Mildew

If unmanaged, powdery mildew (PM), mould, and fungus can easily devastate a crop. Next to harmful pests, PM is the single most damaging hazard in the garden. PM on plants promotes deficiencies, reduces quality, impairs yields, and severely devalues a crop. If left unchecked, powdery mildew can even encourage rot in fully formed flowers, or worse, curse a grow room with systemic issues of mould, fungus, and plant disease. While fairly common, powdery mildew is a potential hazard that can be easily prevented. However, if problems do arise, products and solutions are widely available to help treat and prevent powdery mildew. Read the following passages to find out more about powdery mildew and solutions available for treatment and prevention.

What is Powdery Mildew? 

Powdery Mildew creates white patches of fungal growth that stand out against the green leaves. 

Powdery Mildew is a fungal disease that is common in a wide variety of plants and typically forms in white splotches on the tops of large fan leaves. Powdery mildew develops fast in environments with high humidity and moderate temperatures. Greenhouses, for example, provide the best environment for the widespread development of plant diseases like powdery mildew. As destructive as PM might be, luckily, it is one of the easiest plant diseases to identify. Plants exposed to spores may appear to have been dusted with flour, as powdery mildew starts off as small, circular white spots and later develops into widespread patches of white mildew that can be wiped or brushed off.

What Causes Powdery Mildew? 

Weak genetics, an unstable environment, and irregular feeding patterns can all contribute to the development of plant disease. For instance, if a mother plant has had previous spells of powdery mildew, the offspring of that plant carries on the disease, and can also be easily susceptible to spores in the future. Environmental conditions present growers with additional concern for the spread of disease.

For example, “day-time” temperatures and levels of humidity are something every indoor gardener is concerned with maintaining. In the range of 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26C) and 50-60 percent humidity, plants have an ideal environment in which to grow. However, “nighttime” temperatures and humidity levels must also be managed and maintained. If not, spikes in humidity coupled with low nighttime temperatures may lead to an increased risk of disease development.

For the best chance of cultivating a disease-free crop:

Breed your own genetics
Maintain a consistent, stable environment
Feed your crop appropriately with nutrient supplements

How to Prevent Powdery Mildew 

If your garden’s genetics and environment are both strong and stable, powdery mildew prevention is the next step to think about on the path to cultivating the cleanest crop possible. Like pest control, the best solution for managing PM is not having it at all. So, before dealing with the headache of disease treatment, consider the options available to stop PM from becoming a problem in the first place. 

Look out for round patches of powder that look like flour.

Environmental Control 

Identifying the environmental factors that put your plants at risk for PM is the first issue to consider when trying to avoid it. If the levels of temperature and humidity in your garden are ideal, the next step to avoiding powdery mildew is to consider the garden’s air movement, plant placement, and potential sources of disease.

PM will thrive in environments with little air movement. So, to increase prevention measures, consider purchasing additional air movers like floor or wall-mount fans – with adequate air movement, all the large fan leaves in your garden should be gently swaying. “Plant placement” is equally important. Plants too close to each other, or too close to the wall will have an increased chance of contracting and spreading diseases like powdery mildew. For the best chance of avoiding the later issues that come with treating PM, make sure that all the plants in your garden have enough physical space to grow and transpire without the extra buildup of humidity. 

Here is an example of good airflow and ventilation for indoor growing.

Finally, if you’ve noticed an unexpected outbreak of powdery mildew, search your outdoor property for potential sources of disease. Plant disease is possible even in the cleanest gardens. If you manage a clean garden that has suddenly contracted PM, it’s quite likely that an outside source of mould has infiltrated your grow room. To combat this concern, consider cleaning outside sources of fungus and protect your crop with clean sources of fresh air: Intake or HEPA filters are a low-cost method of preventing exposure to powdery mildew. 

Strengthen Your Crop With Supplements 

Along with a stable feeding program, the most adept growers enrich their crops with supplements like GreenPlanet Nutrient’s Vitathrive and Plant Guard to build strong plants that are resistant to environmental stress. Vitathrive is GreenPlanet’s propagation supplement that contains a full complement of b-vitamins and elements that aid the plant through the vegetative stage. Among other benefits, Vitathrive helps to reduce the stresses that come from rapid cell growth, environmental conditions, and heavy fruit loads. GreenPlanet’s potassium silicate supplement, Plant Guard, also helps prepare your plants for poor environmental conditions by strengthening cell walls and increasing resistance to environmental stress.

How to Treat Powdery Mildew 

If you’re concerned about contracting PM, inspect your crop daily for the earliest possible signs of disease. Depending on the control solution, plants can be treated for powdery mildew at any stage of growth; however, treating your plants sooner rather than later is ideal, as some treatment methods can negatively affect the outcome of plants in flower. A wide variety of treatment solutions are available for plants in the vegetative stages, these include home-remedy options, sulfur sprays or burners, and/or chemical removal. While these treatment options are effective against powdery mildew, most are not recommended during the flowering period. 

Need continued support with your crop? GreenPlanet is here to help!  For more information about the products mentioned above, please contact GreenPlanet Nutrients directly. For all other inquiries about products and services offered by GreenPlanet, contact our team or your local garden supply store for more information. 

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